Salbutamol Update

PDL has issued advice on salbutamol and changes to the S3 supply requirements.

PDL has spoken with many pharmacists impacted by the changes to S3 supply requirements for salbutamol inhalers made by TGA earlier this year.

These changes created difficulties for pharmacists and clients when a diagnosis of a respiratory condition or prior history of supply from the pharmacist could not be confirmed.

PDL is pleased to advise its pharmacist members that representations made to the TGA by the profession’s peak bodies, with input and support from PDL, has led to the change announced on 1 October 2020.

New entry for the supply of salbutamol as a S3 medicine

Salbutamol as the only therapeutically active substance:

a) in metered aerosols delivering 100 micrograms or less of salbutamol per metered dose; or

b) in dry powders for inhalation delivering 200 micrograms or less of salbutamol per dose; and

where supply is limited:

c) for the relief of bronchospasm in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and for acute prophylaxis against exercise-induced asthma and other stimuli known to induce bronchospasm; or

d) for the treatment of a person with a record of previous supply from a pharmacy; or

e) to persons authorised under a law of a State or Territory to use or supply salbutamol in the practice of their profession; or

f) for use in institutional first aid; and

where paragraph (c) or (d) applies – supply is limited to one primary pack of salbutamol per person being treated.

Note the underlined changes in wording to expand the range of presentations to pharmacists as well as the amendment to the record of supply from “a” pharmacy rather than a record of previous supply from the pharmacist.

The restriction is also amended to limit supply of one primary pack per person being treated.

Source: https://ajp.com.au/news/salbutamol-update/ , viewed October 7, 2020.